The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly referred to as the United Kingdom (UK), is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It consists of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK occupies the island of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and several smaller surrounding islands. It shares a land border only with the Republic of Ireland to the west, while being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, English Channel, and Irish Sea.
The UK is a unitary parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles III as the current head of state and a Prime Minister leading the government. London, located in England, serves as both the capital and the largest city in the country. Other major urban centers include Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Belfast.
As of 2025, the UK had an estimated population of around 69,551,332 people (source: UN), making it the third most populous country in Europe after Russia and Germany. The population is ethnically diverse and predominantly urban, with over 80% living in cities and towns. Christianity, particularly the Church of England, remains the largest religion, although the country is increasingly secular, with rising numbers of people identifying as non-religious. Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and other faiths also have significant communities, particularly in larger cities.
Despite the decline of its global empire, the UK remains a major world power, with enduring influence in global finance, culture, education, defense, and diplomacy. It is a founding member of NATO and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland